It was a long, hard week for both DH and I. By the time Friday evening came, we needed a break. I was an hour and a half late leaving work with what would become a terrific headache. DH and I agreed that dinner out was appropriate. We splurged with dinner and drinks at a little Mexican place around the corner. We also had our weekly Saturday morning breakfast out AND lunch. Decidedly not frugal by any means.
On a positive side, we had consumed home cooked dinners each night. I had taken my lunch to work for 15 consecutive days.
Our menu last week never got posted so here it is/was:
Sunday - Turkey Breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green beans
Monday - Sausage Tortellini with Salad
Tuesday - Left over turkey and fixins
Wednesday - Taco Salad
Thursday - Smoked Sausage, Savannah Red Rice, Steamed Broccoli
Friday - Dinner out
Saturday - Green Salad
Next week's menu is still in development. I need some quick and easy meals since I will likely be working late most nights. Here's my first pass at a menu...
Sunday - Crockpot roast with potatoes, carrots, rice and gravy
Monday - Spaghetti and Garlic Bread
Tuesday - Leftover Roast
Wednesday - Something really quick - we have a birthday party at 8pm
Thursday - Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Friday - Homemade Pizza
I wanted to get a pot of soup in there somewhere. I may still make some adjustments.
On other fronts, I purchased a Gamma Lid today to go on an existing five gallon bucket. My purpose was to consolidate all my rice into one bulk container like my elbow macaroni. I was able to get about 30+/- pounds into one bucket with some room to spare. (I need to find a scoop that I can use for all my bulk containers.) I still have a few individual bags of rice and some 'converted' or parboiled rice that will not go into the bucket.
I'm thinking about ordering more chicken for late March. Initially, I was not going to buy any since my freezer is pretty full but I'm thinking that I may after all. If I eat a little more chicken than usual in the next few weeks, I think I can make room for a box from Zaycon. With the talk (hyperbole) regarding federal budget cuts and loss of meat inspectors, it could be a smart move. We're also thinking that we may have some loss of income in the new few months. Extra chicken would be helpful.
Gardening update: My first tray of seedlings is growing - especially the pole beans and sugar snap peas. None of the peppers have germinated. My second tray of seedlings has just started breaking the surface I'm trying to give the a good hour of heat and several hours of additional sunlight (artificial light) each evening. I will need to move the beans into larger pots next week.
I'm almost finished with the quilting part of the quilt I am working on for DD. I hope to finish the quilting tonight and start on the binding tomorrow. I'm also thinking about re-doing the baby blanket I'm crocheting. I just don't like the way it is shaped. I may do a test run to see how a new pattern will work.
Finally, I need to find some time to get back to Publix before Wednesday night. It's the second week of the Italia sale. There are a few things I want to go get while they're on sale.
That's enough for now. Next week is going to be a real bear.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Recharge Weekend
DH dubbed this as "recharge weekend." Our ultimate goal was to relax, rest and recuperate. Friday evening we were having breakfast for dinner but I decided to do something a little differently. Instead of pancakes, I made a puff pancake. It was easy but took a little time to bake - 18 minutes. We both enjoyed this very much and I look forward to having it again.
Saturday, we slept in and had breakfast out. After running a few errands, we headed home where we spent the evening working on some projects. I started dinner - a new dish - poblano peppers stuffed with shredded chicken and topped with melted monteray jack cheese. It was very good. This was followed by movie night and snacks.
Sunday morning, breakfast was eaten in - as usual. This time, I cooked IKEA potato pancakes and sweet rolls. (I really need to find a good, simple potato pancake recipe.) This afternoon, I jumped on some little projects I've been wanting to do.
a) weighed down the outdoor 'trees'. The wind has been knocking these down almost daily. Cost - $0
b) cleaned out my potato and onion bin.
c) cleaned out the vegetable drawer in the fridge.
d) planted 72 more cells with seeds.
e) vacuum and dusted the bedroom (thanks, hubby)
f) swept the kitchen (wanted to mop but never got around to it)
Not bad for a Sunday afternoon. I'd love to say I have the holiday off tomorrow but alas, I must go in to work. This week will be a busy week followed by an even busier week. I needed to recharge before I take that on.
In the meantime, I spend my free moments working on a hand quilted lap quilt for my DD, mending some household items, working on new recipes, tending my seeds, and planning a quilt for the little one on the way.
Saturday, we slept in and had breakfast out. After running a few errands, we headed home where we spent the evening working on some projects. I started dinner - a new dish - poblano peppers stuffed with shredded chicken and topped with melted monteray jack cheese. It was very good. This was followed by movie night and snacks.
Sunday morning, breakfast was eaten in - as usual. This time, I cooked IKEA potato pancakes and sweet rolls. (I really need to find a good, simple potato pancake recipe.) This afternoon, I jumped on some little projects I've been wanting to do.
a) weighed down the outdoor 'trees'. The wind has been knocking these down almost daily. Cost - $0
b) cleaned out my potato and onion bin.
c) cleaned out the vegetable drawer in the fridge.
d) planted 72 more cells with seeds.
e) vacuum and dusted the bedroom (thanks, hubby)
f) swept the kitchen (wanted to mop but never got around to it)
Not bad for a Sunday afternoon. I'd love to say I have the holiday off tomorrow but alas, I must go in to work. This week will be a busy week followed by an even busier week. I needed to recharge before I take that on.
In the meantime, I spend my free moments working on a hand quilted lap quilt for my DD, mending some household items, working on new recipes, tending my seeds, and planning a quilt for the little one on the way.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Dinner for Breakfast
I saw an interesting post today on www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca (I love this site and enjoy trying their recipes) about a puff pancake. I was intrigued and I was pretty sure DH would like it since he likes crepes. I think we've had something like this at a restaurant here that is no longer in business.
Tonight for dinner, I made the pancake along with some hash browns (from dehydrated hash browns) and some bacon from the freezer. I picked up some strawberries and blackberries at Aldi's and used some blueberries out of the freezer.
It was a hit. I wish I had taken a picture but we ate it (every bit of it) pretty quickly.
Here's the recipe. I used 1 teaspoon of vanilla and just a tad more flour, maybe a tablespoon more.
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup of flour (all purpose)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon orange zest (mine was from the freezer)
pinch of salt
2 Tablespoons of butter or margarine
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Whisk together all the ingredients except the butter.
When the oven reaches full temperature, put the butter in a oven safe glass pie plate and place it in the oven.
When the butter bubbles, add the pancake mixture.
Bake 18-20 minutes WITHOUT opening the door.
Pancake will be puffed on the edges and slightly brown.
Eat right away.
More detailed instructions and beautiful pictures can be found on www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca. I encourage you to enjoy their site and buy their books.
Tonight for dinner, I made the pancake along with some hash browns (from dehydrated hash browns) and some bacon from the freezer. I picked up some strawberries and blackberries at Aldi's and used some blueberries out of the freezer.
It was a hit. I wish I had taken a picture but we ate it (every bit of it) pretty quickly.
Here's the recipe. I used 1 teaspoon of vanilla and just a tad more flour, maybe a tablespoon more.
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup of flour (all purpose)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon orange zest (mine was from the freezer)
pinch of salt
2 Tablespoons of butter or margarine
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Whisk together all the ingredients except the butter.
When the oven reaches full temperature, put the butter in a oven safe glass pie plate and place it in the oven.
When the butter bubbles, add the pancake mixture.
Bake 18-20 minutes WITHOUT opening the door.
Pancake will be puffed on the edges and slightly brown.
Eat right away.
More detailed instructions and beautiful pictures can be found on www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca. I encourage you to enjoy their site and buy their books.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Seed update
Just a quick note to let you know that some of the radish and some of the pole bean seeds have SPROUTED! I watered in the seeds and made sure the top of the soil was moist. I left a pretty good bit of water in the bottom tray..
The seeds have been sitting on a heating pad that I turn on for an hour each evening as the temperature begins to drop. Tonight, I left a fluorescent light on for the hour as well.
So far, so good.
The seeds have been sitting on a heating pad that I turn on for an hour each evening as the temperature begins to drop. Tonight, I left a fluorescent light on for the hour as well.
So far, so good.
Curve ball
Sometimes life just throws you a curve ball. Here's the way it has set it self up for us. DH has been discussing the possibility of changing jobs. We had a plan and were moving forward with it.
I was also looking into a new job with my same company. I applied for it two weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear something on it. In the meantime, I had my performance review today and again there seems to be a huge discrepancy in the company's expectations and my inclination. For some unknown reason, they expect that I (and many other workers) will simply work longer and longer hours and take on more and more responsibility without any expectation of salary increase or promotion.
While I don't mind taking on more responsibilities from time to time or helping the "team" at times, I have no intention to work countless hours and take on more and more responsibilities without either an increase in pay or some comp time. (I have never worked somewhere that had these unreasonable expectations in the nearly 40 years I've been in the workforce.) You have to establish a boundary as to what you want and expect from your work life and what you will and will not do. First and foremost, I will not sacrifice my family for sake of a job. A job, after all, a way to pay your bills. You family is your life and must be the first priority.
As a result, I find myself clearly re-examinating why I'm working where I am and why.
I was also looking into a new job with my same company. I applied for it two weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear something on it. In the meantime, I had my performance review today and again there seems to be a huge discrepancy in the company's expectations and my inclination. For some unknown reason, they expect that I (and many other workers) will simply work longer and longer hours and take on more and more responsibility without any expectation of salary increase or promotion.
While I don't mind taking on more responsibilities from time to time or helping the "team" at times, I have no intention to work countless hours and take on more and more responsibilities without either an increase in pay or some comp time. (I have never worked somewhere that had these unreasonable expectations in the nearly 40 years I've been in the workforce.) You have to establish a boundary as to what you want and expect from your work life and what you will and will not do. First and foremost, I will not sacrifice my family for sake of a job. A job, after all, a way to pay your bills. You family is your life and must be the first priority.
As a result, I find myself clearly re-examinating why I'm working where I am and why.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
A new Week
Here's the menu plan for the week:
Sunday - Hamburger Steak and Baked Potatoes
(the only meat purchase or the week)
Monday - Leftover Spicy Chicken Vegetable Soup
Tuesday - Spaghetti
Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner
Thursday - Tacos or Taco Salad
(found some inexpensive taco bowls at Walmart)
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Also, for lunches I'm planning - turkey and cheese sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and leftover spaghetti, etc.
I bought a few gardening supplies at Walmart and started 72 seed pots Saturday afternoon. The container comes with its own clear top to act as a greenhouse. I have some peat pots that I'll plant later in the week. I'm using a heating pad to give the set a few hours a day of warmth. Once the seeds come up, I'll also add a couple of hours of light. My seedling success has been quite limited but I'm hoping for better results this year. I plan to also buy some plants from the gardening store - most likely tomatoes.
When I do transplant these outside, I will use some glass jars to cloche the plants. I've heard that they grow much faster with this technique. I'm also going to put some additional holes in my window box planters. The soil drained very slow and stayed very wet. I would like to grow some lettuce in these to supplement what I buy at the store.
I'm working on a quilt for my daughter. When I pulled the batting out of the closet, I realized that I already had the batting and didn't need what I bought last weekend. I think I'll keep it since I got it at half price for my next project. I may not be able to afford it then. I'm looking for a packet of fabrics to use for a quilt for the "baby brother" who is due in May. So far, I've found nothing that is sufficiently baby boy enough. I may have to wait until fat quarters are on sale and then do some matching myself.
I was disappointed that I had to purchase a second skein of yarn for the baby blanket I'm working on. When they bundle something and market it for babies, shouldn't it contain enough yarn to complete a simple project? That was another $6 that I didn't need to spend!
I'll be looking for ways to save money and spend less this week.
Sunday - Hamburger Steak and Baked Potatoes
(the only meat purchase or the week)
Monday - Leftover Spicy Chicken Vegetable Soup
Tuesday - Spaghetti
Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner
Thursday - Tacos or Taco Salad
(found some inexpensive taco bowls at Walmart)
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Also, for lunches I'm planning - turkey and cheese sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and leftover spaghetti, etc.
I bought a few gardening supplies at Walmart and started 72 seed pots Saturday afternoon. The container comes with its own clear top to act as a greenhouse. I have some peat pots that I'll plant later in the week. I'm using a heating pad to give the set a few hours a day of warmth. Once the seeds come up, I'll also add a couple of hours of light. My seedling success has been quite limited but I'm hoping for better results this year. I plan to also buy some plants from the gardening store - most likely tomatoes.
When I do transplant these outside, I will use some glass jars to cloche the plants. I've heard that they grow much faster with this technique. I'm also going to put some additional holes in my window box planters. The soil drained very slow and stayed very wet. I would like to grow some lettuce in these to supplement what I buy at the store.
I'm working on a quilt for my daughter. When I pulled the batting out of the closet, I realized that I already had the batting and didn't need what I bought last weekend. I think I'll keep it since I got it at half price for my next project. I may not be able to afford it then. I'm looking for a packet of fabrics to use for a quilt for the "baby brother" who is due in May. So far, I've found nothing that is sufficiently baby boy enough. I may have to wait until fat quarters are on sale and then do some matching myself.
I was disappointed that I had to purchase a second skein of yarn for the baby blanket I'm working on. When they bundle something and market it for babies, shouldn't it contain enough yarn to complete a simple project? That was another $6 that I didn't need to spend!
I'll be looking for ways to save money and spend less this week.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Extending frugal to lunch
Tomorrow is Friday and I've packed my lunch all five days this week. DH has eaten in four of the five days. Even after buying deli meat, rolls and sides, we still spent less than eating out five days.
For me, it costs a minimum of $3.50 a day to eat in my work cafeteria. On a really good day (good food choices), it can run $5-6. I would estimate that DH would spend an average of $7 per day. Together, our lunch expenses could run as high as $40-50 a week. I estimate that we've saved $20-30 just this one week. Yea for us!
Here's our lunch menu for this past week:
Monday: Ham and cheese sandwich, deli potato salad, cookies
Tuesday: Ham and cheese sandwich, chips and cookies
Wednesday: Can of soup (me)
Thursday: Ham and cheese sandwich, deli potato salad, cookies
Friday: BBQ sandwich, baked beans and homemade cookies
Next week, I hope to incorporate more leftovers and purchase less deli meat and deli potato salad.
The primary challenge I face is that I don't know which days DH wants or needs to take a lunch.
Here's my tentative dinner menu beginning tomorrow:
Friday - chicken strips and mashed potatoes
Saturday - Spicy Chicken Vegetable Soup with homemade bread
Sunday - Hamburger Steaks with Baked Potatoes
Monday - leftover soup with dinner rolls
Tuesday - Spaghetti
Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner
Thursday - Tacos
Friday - Taco Salad or Homemade Pizza
For me, it costs a minimum of $3.50 a day to eat in my work cafeteria. On a really good day (good food choices), it can run $5-6. I would estimate that DH would spend an average of $7 per day. Together, our lunch expenses could run as high as $40-50 a week. I estimate that we've saved $20-30 just this one week. Yea for us!
Here's our lunch menu for this past week:
Monday: Ham and cheese sandwich, deli potato salad, cookies
Tuesday: Ham and cheese sandwich, chips and cookies
Wednesday: Can of soup (me)
Thursday: Ham and cheese sandwich, deli potato salad, cookies
Friday: BBQ sandwich, baked beans and homemade cookies
Next week, I hope to incorporate more leftovers and purchase less deli meat and deli potato salad.
The primary challenge I face is that I don't know which days DH wants or needs to take a lunch.
Here's my tentative dinner menu beginning tomorrow:
Friday - chicken strips and mashed potatoes
Saturday - Spicy Chicken Vegetable Soup with homemade bread
Sunday - Hamburger Steaks with Baked Potatoes
Monday - leftover soup with dinner rolls
Tuesday - Spaghetti
Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner
Thursday - Tacos
Friday - Taco Salad or Homemade Pizza
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
A new plan .... for 2013
DH and I are expecting some employment changes in the next few month. I've applied for a new job (still haven't heard anything on that yet) and DH may be looking into changing jobs. With any employment change, there is always the possibility that things will not turn out as you expect.
Our motto is to always to plan for the worst and hope for the best. That being said, our austerity plan starts tomorrow. (I would have started it tonight but there's really not much sense at this late hour.) Our first action will be to stop our debt reduction (snowball) plan and go back to minimum payments on our bills. Our goal is to bulk up our cash reserves in case we face some period of unemployment.
Fortunately, our freezer is full. (I mean really full. I won't even be able to buy any Zaycon chicken this month because I don't have room for it.) I'd estimate that 75% or more of the frozen items are meat products. Our pantry is pretty well stocked. I will continue to stock up on staple type products with longer shelf life. Careful planning and an effort to buy less will be the grocery focus.
I have several BP gas cards saved from recent Publix deals. I'll be saving these for emergency use. I also have a small stockpile of various gift cards that can be used for essentials as needed.
If we do face a period of unemployment, I'll be looking at other ways to reduce our monthly expenses.
Our motto is to always to plan for the worst and hope for the best. That being said, our austerity plan starts tomorrow. (I would have started it tonight but there's really not much sense at this late hour.) Our first action will be to stop our debt reduction (snowball) plan and go back to minimum payments on our bills. Our goal is to bulk up our cash reserves in case we face some period of unemployment.
Fortunately, our freezer is full. (I mean really full. I won't even be able to buy any Zaycon chicken this month because I don't have room for it.) I'd estimate that 75% or more of the frozen items are meat products. Our pantry is pretty well stocked. I will continue to stock up on staple type products with longer shelf life. Careful planning and an effort to buy less will be the grocery focus.
I have several BP gas cards saved from recent Publix deals. I'll be saving these for emergency use. I also have a small stockpile of various gift cards that can be used for essentials as needed.
If we do face a period of unemployment, I'll be looking at other ways to reduce our monthly expenses.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Getting my grove back
After three weeks of feeling like something the dog dragged home, I think I may be getting well. Not just feeling better, but actually well.
As a result, I'm tackling some projects and trying to keep on top of things. I bought two butcher block rolling carts from IKEA almost a month ago. Between a funeral and being sick, I'm just getting around to finishing the tops. I want to protect the top from staining but I also want the flexibility to actually use it as a chopping block if necessary. DS had something called Salad Bowl finish - easy wipe on application and completely non-toxic when dry. I put the first coat on Sunday and just pt the second coat on. I hope to get a third and final coat on tomorrow night.
I'm also working on a crocheted baby blanket for "junior" who is due in May. It's moving along pretty quickly. I have all the pieces to finish the quilt for DD and I'll start on that as soon as the crocheted piece is done.
In addition, I'm working on moving files off of an old computer onto a new computer.
And, I'm slowly working on getting some of the &^@p out of the garage.
All while managing some horrid deadlines at work and applying for a new job. Wish me luck, I may need it.
As a result, I'm tackling some projects and trying to keep on top of things. I bought two butcher block rolling carts from IKEA almost a month ago. Between a funeral and being sick, I'm just getting around to finishing the tops. I want to protect the top from staining but I also want the flexibility to actually use it as a chopping block if necessary. DS had something called Salad Bowl finish - easy wipe on application and completely non-toxic when dry. I put the first coat on Sunday and just pt the second coat on. I hope to get a third and final coat on tomorrow night.
I'm also working on a crocheted baby blanket for "junior" who is due in May. It's moving along pretty quickly. I have all the pieces to finish the quilt for DD and I'll start on that as soon as the crocheted piece is done.
In addition, I'm working on moving files off of an old computer onto a new computer.
And, I'm slowly working on getting some of the &^@p out of the garage.
All while managing some horrid deadlines at work and applying for a new job. Wish me luck, I may need it.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Menu Monday
Sunday - Bowl of chili
Monday - Shredded beef over whole wheat noodles
Tuesday - Chili over potatoes or with tortilla chips
Wednesday - Salad
Thursday - Pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans
Friday - tbd
Publix has Boston Butts on sale this week. I will get one and prepare it in the crockpot for Thursday dinner. I suspect that I may have chili even after our second dinner on Tuesday. If I can't use it for lunches, it will go in the freezer.
The goal this week is to minimize lunches out and dinners will utilize what we have. I'm also focusing on things in the upstairs freezer and finishing up things in the fridge. Both are out of control and in great need of cleaning.
The Publix trip will be limited to the pork and some good bargains. We went to the P Sunday and picked up lunch items.
Monday - Shredded beef over whole wheat noodles
Tuesday - Chili over potatoes or with tortilla chips
Wednesday - Salad
Thursday - Pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans
Friday - tbd
Publix has Boston Butts on sale this week. I will get one and prepare it in the crockpot for Thursday dinner. I suspect that I may have chili even after our second dinner on Tuesday. If I can't use it for lunches, it will go in the freezer.
The goal this week is to minimize lunches out and dinners will utilize what we have. I'm also focusing on things in the upstairs freezer and finishing up things in the fridge. Both are out of control and in great need of cleaning.
The Publix trip will be limited to the pork and some good bargains. We went to the P Sunday and picked up lunch items.
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